Susan Dalgety: Why sisters should embrace the menopause

I am sure glamourous TV presenter Andrea McLean meant well when she suggested that menopausal woman should wear badges marked with a big ‘M’ while travelling on public transport.

The pins would help other passengers understand why a woman, suffering a hot flush, felt the need to open a bus window, even in the depths of winter, explained Ms McLean.

For those of you too young to understand, the menopause is a pretty miserable time in a woman’s life. We are overwhelmed by feelings of murderous rage, or the deepest despair. Often at the same time. And we don’t mind sharing our emotions.

Our skin begins to sag. Our bellies swell. A packet of dark chocolate gingers has far more allure than any silver fox. Yes, even the sight of George Clooney on the telly leaves us cold.